The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has expressed concerns over what it described as escalating political violence, intimidation and insecurity ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, calling on the British High Commission and the international community to closely monitor the electoral process.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the British High Commission to the APC Campaign Office in Osogbo.
Addressing the delegation on behalf of the campaign council, the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, said the visit reflected the international community's commitment to Nigeria's democracy and the conduct of peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
Oyebamiji alleged that members and supporters of the APC had become targets of political violence by individuals associated with the Osun State Government, claiming that the situation could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming election if not addressed.
He said the party had already brought its concerns to the attention of the Nigeria Police Force and noted that the Inspector-General of Police, during a recent visit to Osun State, acknowledged receiving briefings from the Commissioner of Police on security concerns and allegations of criminal activities within the state.
The APC candidate urged law enforcement agencies to carry out thorough, impartial and professional investigations into all reported incidents in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to Oyebamiji, the party has documented more than 40 cases of politically related attacks on its members and supporters since 2022.
He cited several incidents, including the killings of APC chieftain and NURTW leader Tajudeen Rabiu in 2022, Waheed, Muraina Olayiwola, Olalekan Ososondi, Ismail Dudu, Adeboye Ademoroti, Saheed Oyegunju and Hon. Remi Abass, among others.
The APC candidate also alleged that some of the killings were linked to individuals serving as political appointees in the current administration, while accusing security agencies of failing to diligently prosecute some of the cases.
He further alleged that another APC supporter, Muideen Alowonle, was killed in Ilesa two days ago by suspected Accord Party thugs.
Appealing to the British High Commission and other international observers, Oyebamiji called for sustained engagement with stakeholders before, during and after the election, saying increased international observation would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
He reaffirmed the APC campaign council's commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and peaceful political participation, adding that party members had consistently been urged to remain law-abiding, reject violence and cooperate with security agencies.
"As we approach Election Day, we reaffirm our commitment to conducting our campaign peacefully and responsibly while encouraging all political actors to place the interest of democracy and the people of Osun State above every other consideration," he said.
The APC also expressed appreciation to the British High Commission for its continued interest in supporting democratic governance in Nigeria, expressing hope that the collective efforts of stakeholders would ensure an election where eligible voters can freely exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or violence.
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